Many New Hampshire Democrats skip opening session over virus

DURHAM, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire lawmakers bundled up and spread out on an athletic field Wednesday to start their next two-year session. But many House Democrats skipped the gathering over concerns about the coronavirus, and the no-shows, coupled with a show of force by Republicans, signaled a rough path ahead.

The 400-member House and 24-member Senate met at the University of New Hampshire to get sworn in, choose leaders, and elect the secretary of state and treasurer.

Things went smoothly for the Senate, of which Salem Republican Chuck Morse was elected president. But many House Democrats decided to stay home after Republican leaders revealed Tuesday that a number of GOP House members tested positive for the virus after attending a caucus meeting Nov. 20.

There were 130 representatives absent, including Rep. Renny Cushing, D-Hampton, the new House minority leader. He said Republicans showed an unconscionable, blatant disregard for public health at a time when coronavirus cases are surging.

“As responsible legislators, we don’t want to be in a situation where we attend a legislative event and go back to our communities and turn it into a super spreader event,” he told reporters Wednesday morning. “I believe there will be scores of Democrats who will make a decision to stand with public safety rather than the pomp and ceremony.”

Republicans won control of both the House and Senate in the November elections. The new House speaker, Rep. Dick Hinch of Merrimack, urged lawmakers to view each other as “friends and colleagues” rather than members of opposing parties, particularly during a pandemic.

“We have some significant challenges ahead of us, and we’ve spent the last nine months fighting to maintain our dignity and resolve in the midst of public health and economic uncertainty,” he said....